Hi folks,

I am new to using a straight razor. To date, I have had three shaves with a brand new and professionally honed SR. Note that I have a very tough and dense Middle-Eastern beard. I believe I have gotten better and improved my shaving results each time although I am far from results I get from multi-blades.

What I have noticed that I manage to cut myself and have considerable difficulty in the middle of my second pass. The problem is worse around my lips, chin, and mustache areas. The blade appears to pull and does not glide easily on my skin.

Here's my question: Would you think stropping in the middle of my shave would help? Is it normal to have to strop the SR in the middle of shave? Would that help? Or is it that I am having trouble because of my bad technique around my lips and chin?

I would appreciate the benefit of your collective wisdom.